TERMS DEFINITIONS

Air gap is the unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the
lowest opening for any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank or plumbing fixture
and the floor-level rim of the receptacle
Air drain a drain, installed to collect surface or rain water from an open area
Back-flow the flow of water or other liquids into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of
water from any source or sources other than its intended source. Back-siphonage is
one type of "back-flow," and flow through a crossconnection is another type of
"back-flow."
Back-flow connection is any arrangement whereby back-flow can occur.
Back-siphonage is the flowing back of used, contaminated, or polluted water from a plumbing fixture
or vessel into a water-supply pipe.
Battery of fixtures is any group of two (2) or more similar adjacent fixtures which discharge into a
common horizontal waste or soil branch.
Branch is any part of a plumbing system other than the main.
Branch vent a vent connecting one or more individual vents with a vent stack or stack-vent.
Building a structure built, erected, and framed of component structural parts, designed for
the housing, shelter, enclosure, or support of persons, animals, or property of any
kind
Building Connection Is s the sewer extending from the main sewer to the curb line
Building drain shall mean that part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system which
receives, or is designated to receive, the discharge of all soil, waste or other drainage
pipes inside the walls of the building and to a distance of five (5) feet outside of the
foundations or any footings of a building and convey the same to the building sewer.
Building (house) sewer mean the extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of
disposal.
Building storm drain is a building drain used for conveying rain water, ground water, subsurface water,
cooling water, or other similar discharge to a building storm sewer.
Building storm sewer is the pipe extending from the building storm drain to the public sewer or other point
of disposal.
Building subdrain that portion of a drainage system which cannot drain by gravity into the building
sewer.
Building trap a running trap installed in the building drain to prevent circulation of air between the
drainage system of the building and the building sewer.
Circuit vent a branch that serves two (2) or more traps and extends from in front of the last
fixture connection of a horizontal branch to the vent stack.
Clear water waste is waste that is free of organic matter.
Code The word "code" when used alone shall mean these regulations, subsequent
amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation which the plumbing
official having jurisdiction may lawfully adopt.
Combination fixture a fixture which is an integral part combination of one sink and one or two (2) laundry
trays in one fixture, or of a two-or threecompartment sink or laundry tray in one
fixture
Combined sewer shall mean a sewer receiving both surface runoff and sewage.
Common vent a vent that is a straight-line continuation of the drain to which it is connected, and is
designated according to the angle of the drain with the horizontal at the point at
which the vent connects as vertical continuous-waste-and-vent, forty-five (45)
degree continuous-waste-andvent
Continuous waste a waste from two (2) or three (3) fixtures connected to a single trap.
Cross-connection any physical connection or arrangement of pipes between two (2) otherwise
 separate water-supply systems, one of which contains potable water and the other
water of unknown or questionable safety, whereby water may flow from one system
to the other, the system of flow depending on the pressure differential between the
two (2) systems.
Dead end a branch leading from a soil, waste, vent, or building sewer which is terminated at a
developed distance of two feet or more by means of a cap, plug, or other closed
fitting.
Developed length of a line of its length measured along the center line of the pipe and fittings
pipe
Diameter Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "diameter" is the nominal diameter as
designated commercially.
Director of public works or When the term director of public works and director is used, it shall be understood
director to mean the director of public works and engineering of the City of Galveston or his
duly authorized representatives charged with the enforcement of this chapter
Double offset two (2) offsets installed in succession or in series in the same line.
Drain or drain pipe any pipe which carries waste water or waterborne wastes in a building drainage
system.
Drainage system, or drainage is all the piping within public or private premises which conveys sewage, rain water,
pipe or other liquid wastes to a point of disposal, and shall include the building drain and
building sewer system, or a private or public sewage-treatment or disposal plant.
Dry vent any vent that does not carry water or waterborne wastes
Duel vent a vent connected at the junction of two (2) fixture drains and serving as a vent for
both fixtures.
Durham system a term used to describe soil or waste system where all piping is of threaded pipe,
tubing, or other rigid construction, using recess drainage fittings to correspond to the
types of piping
Effective opening is the minimum crossing area at the point of water-supply discharge, measured or
expressed either in terms of the diameter of a circle, or if the opening is not circular,
the diameter of a circle of equivalent crosssectional are
Existing work a plumbing system, or any part thereof which has been installed prior to the
effective date of this code.
Fixture branch is the water supply pipe and the water distribution pipe
Fixture drain is the drain from the trap of a fixture to the junction of that drain with any other
drain pipe.
Fixture-supply pipe is a water-supply pipe connecting the fixture with the fixture branch.
Fixture-unit Is a design factor so chosen that the load-producing values of the different plumbing
fixtures can be expressed approximately as multiples of that factor.
Flooded A fixture is flooded when the liquid therein rises to the flood level.
Flooded level in reference to a plumbing fixture is the level at which water begins to overflow the
top or rim of the fixture.
Flooded-level rim is the top edge of the receptacle from which water overflows.
Flush valve a device which discharges a predetermined quantity of water to fixtures for flushing
purposes and is actuated by direct water pressure
Grade of a line pipe is its slope in reference to a horizontal plane. For drainage piping it is
usually expressed as the fall in inches or fraction of an inch per foot of length of pipe.
Grade interceptor a receptacle designed to intercept and retain grease or fatty substance contained in
kitchen or other wastes.
Grease trap See interceptor
Horizontal branch a branch drain pipe extending laterally from a soil or waste stack or building drain,
with or without vertical sections or branches, which receives the discharge from one
or more fixture drains and conducts to the soil or waste stack or to the building
drain.
Horizontal pipe is any pipe or fitting which is installed in a horizontal position or with a slope less
than six (6) inches per foot of length.
Indirect waste pipe a waste pipe which does not connect directly with the drainage system, but
discharges into it through a properly trapped fixture or receptacle.
Individual vent a pipe installed to vent a fixture trap and connected to the general vent system at a
point above the fixture.
Industrial waste mean the waterborne solids, liquids and/or gaseous wastes from industrial,
manufacturing, commercial or food-processing operation or process, or from the
development of any natural resource, or any mixture of these with water or
domestic sewage
Insanitary means contrary to sanitary principles, injurious to health.
Interceptor is the receptacle designed to separate or intercept and prevent the passage of oil,
volatile flammable liquid, grease, sand, or other material into the drainage system to
which such receptacle is directly or indirectly connected.
Inspector When the word "inspector" is used, it shall be understood to mean the chief
plumbing inspector or his duly authorized assistant plumbing inspectors. All powers
conferred by this chapter of this code upon the chief plumbing inspector are likewise
conferred upon his assistant plumbing inspectors and such assistants may exercise
all such powers.
Journey plumber within the meaning of this code is any person other than a master plumber who
engages in or works at the actual installation, alteration, repair and renovating of
plumbing, and who has successfully fulfilled the examinations and requirements of
the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Leader (downspout) the water conductor from the roof to the building storm drain or other piping
serving as a storm drain
Line vent (flat vent) When permitted by the building official, a line vent is a relief or individual vent which
is run at approximately the same elevation as the waste line it serves until it can rise
gradually and connect to a vent, vent stack or stack above the flood level rim of the
fixture it serves.
Liquid waste the discharge from any fixture in connection with the plumbing system which does
not receive fecal matter
Load factor the percentage of the total connected fixtures unit flow rate which is likely to occur
at any point in the drainage system. It varies with the type of occupancy, the total
flow unit above this point being considered, and with the probability factor of
simultaneous use
Local vent pipe a pipe on the fixture side of the trap through which vapor or foul air is removed from
a room or fixture.
Loop vent the same as a circuit vent except that it loops back and connects with a stack-vent
instead of a vent stack
Main any system of piping is the principal artery of the system to which branches may be
connected
Main sewer the public sewer under the jurisdiction of the City of Galveston in a street, alley,
easement or other dedicated premises.
Main vent the principal artery of the venting system to which branches may be connected.
Master plumber within the meaning of this code is a plumber having a regular place of business, who,
by himself, or through a person or persons in his employ, performs plumbing work,
and who has successfully fulfilled the examinations and requirements of the Texas
State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Minor repairs is the repairing of an existing fixture; the replacement of faucets or valves, or parts
thereof, with like material or material serving the same purpose; the clearance of
stoppages; the stopping of leaks; the relieving of frozen pipes and other minor
replacements or repairs classified as "minor repairs" by the building inspector;
 provided no changes other than those specifically permitted by this or subsequent
paragraphs are made in the piping to the fixtures or in the drainage, vent, or water-
supply system, and the permitted stopping of leaks can be effected without
replacement of drainage or vent piping
Outside or yard closet An "outside or yard closet" is one that is installed in a house or building detached
from the main building and shall not be installed above the first floor
Owner the owner or owners of the premises, a vendee in possession, a mortgagee or
receiver in possession, or lessee or joint lessees of the whole thereof, or an agent or
other person, firm or corporation directly in control of the premises.
Plumbing the installing, altering, removing, or replacing or repairing of pipes, fixtures or other
appurtenances of a plumbing system.
Plumbing fixtures mean installed receptacles, devices, or appliances which are supplied with water or
which receive or discharge liquids or liquid-borne wastes, with or without discharge
into the drainage system with which they may be directly or indirectly connected.
Plumbing system mean the water-supply and water-distribution pipes; plumbing fixtures and traps;
soil, wastes, and vent pipes; building drains and building sewers including their
respective connections, devices, and appurtenances within the property lines of the
premises; and water-treating or water-using equipment
Pool water receptacle used for swimming or as a plunge or bath, designed to
accommodate more than one bather at a time
Potable water water from a public or private water-supply system or source which has been
approved by the city health department as suitable for human consumption
Private or private use In the classification of plumbing fixtures, private applies to fixtures in residences or
apartments, and to fixtures in private bathrooms or hotels and similar installations
where the fixtures are intended for the use of a family or an individual
Private sewer a sewer privately owned on private property connecting a house or building drain or
drains to a main sewer or to other places of disposal.
Public or public use in the classification of plumbing fixtures, public applies to fixtures in general toilet
rooms of schools, gymnasiums, motels, railroad stations, public buildings, bars,
public comfort stations, and other installations, for example, where a number of
fixtures are installed so that their use is similarly unrestricted
Relief vent a vent connected to a horizontal branch between the first fixture drain and the soil
or waste stack.
Return offset a double offset installed as to return the pipe to its original alignment.
Revent pipe (sometimes is that part of a pipe line which connects directly with an individual waste or group
called an individual vent) of wastes, underneath or back of the fixture and extends either to the main or
branch vent pipe
Rim the unobstructed open edge of a fixture.
Riser a water-supply pipe which extends vertically one full story to convey water to
branches or fixtures
Roof drain a drain installed to receive water collecting on the surface of the roof and to
discharge it into the downspout.
Roughing-in the installation of all parts of the plumbing system which can be completed prior to
the installation of fixtures, this includes drainage, water supply, vent piping, and the
necessary fixture support
Sand interceptor an interceptor primarily intended to intercept sand or earth.
Sanitary sewer mean a sewer which carries sewage and to which storm, surface and groundwaters
are not intentionally admitted.
Septic tank a water-tight receptacle which receives the discharge of a drainage system as part
thereof and is designed and constructed so as to separate solids from the liquid,
digest organic matter through a period of detention, and allow the liquids to
discharge into the soil outside of the tank through a system of open-joint or
 perforated piping.
Sewage a combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings,
institutions, and industrial establishments, together with such ground, surface and
storm waters as may be present.
Size of pipe or tubing The size of pipe or tubing, unless otherwise stated, is the nominal size by which pipe
or tubing is commercially designated.
Soil pipe any pipe which conveys the discharge of water closets or fixtures having similar
functions with or without the discharge from other fixtures.
Stack general term for the vertical main of a system of soil, waste, or vent piping
Stack-vent the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal branch connected
to the stack.
Storm sewer or storm drain mean a sewer which carries storm and surface waters and drainage, but excludes
sewage and polluted industrial wastes.
Subsoil drain a drain installed for collecting subsurface or seeping water and conveying it to a
place of disposal.
Sump a tank or pit which receives the discharge from drains or other wastes, and from
which the discharge is pumped or ejected or otherwise mechanically propelled into a
drainage system.
Supports Supports, hangers, and anchors are devices for supporting and securing pipe and
fixtures to walls, ceilings, floors or structural members
Trap a fitting or device so designed and constructed as to provide a liquid seal which will
prevent the back passage of air without materially affecting the flow of sewage or
wastewater through it.
Trap seal is the vertical distance between the crown weir and the dip of the trap.
Used material material that has been installed and used, and has been removed and passed to
another ownership or possession.
Vent stack (sometimes called is a vertical vent pipe installed primarily for the purpose of providing circulation of
a main vent) air to or from any part of the drainage system.
Vent system a pipe or pipes installed to provide a flow of air to or from a drainage system or to
provide a circulation of air within such system to protect trap seals from siphonage
and back pressure.
Vertical pipe any pipe or fitting which is installed in a vertical position or which makes an angle of
not more than forty-five (45) degrees with the vertical.
Waste pipe is any pipe which receives the discharge of any fixture except water closets or similar
fixtures, and conveys it to the building drain, soil, or waste stack.
Water-distributing pipe in a building is one which conveys water from the water service pipe to the plumbing
fixtures or other water outlets.
Water heater a permanent gas-fired or electric appliance used for heating water, and for the
purposes of this code is designated as a plumbing fixture
Water main (street main) a water-supply pipe for public or community use.
Water outlet as used in connection with the water-distributing system is the water discharge
opening to either a fixture or atmospheric pressure (except into an open tank which
is part of the water-supply system); or to a boiler or heating system; or to any water-
operated device or equipment requiring water to operate
Water-service pipe the pipe from the water main or other source of water supply to the building or
service required.
Water-supply system consists of the water-service pipe; the water-distributing pipes; and the necessary
connecting pipes, fittings, control valves, tanks, water heaters, water filtering or
treating equipment; and all appurtenances forming part of the system for supplying
water to plumbing fixtures or other water outlets in or adjacent to the building
Water-vent a waste pipe that serves also as a vent.
Yoke vent A pipe connecting upward from a soil or waste stack or a vent stack for the purpose
of preventing pressure changes in the stacks